Skrtel's Ronaldo fear

That though, is the chilling prospect Liverpool have precisely 24 hours to prepare for, as they entertain what amounts to a fantasy football forward line in the Champions' League tomorrow evening.

The idea of Cristiano Ronaldo and co being offered the same sort of gifts that were on offer to QPR at the weekend really doesn't bear thinking about for nervous Reds supporters ahead of the glamorous visit of Real Madrid.

Yet Martin Skrtel must think about it fast, and devise ways to stop what he concedes is pretty much a computer game line-up even without Gareth Bale, who will miss the visit to Anfield through injury.

“I don't think you can improve their forward line too much," said Skrtel.